Emission control apparatus for marine generator engine

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engine emissions, particularly marine electric generator engines, includes a treatment chamber having an intake opening for receiving gaseous emissions from the engine, and an exhaust opening for exiting emissions. A perforated metal tube is disposed within the treatment chamber, and an electrode is disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation to the metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that, upon applying a voltage at a predetermined frequency to the electrode, an arc is generated across the space between the electrode and the metal tube to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration of pollutants. The treatment chamber is contained within a manifold, and cooled by a flow of water. A supplemental air source is connected to the treatment chamber, and a chemical substrate is disposed within the treatment chamber for promoting the chemical reaction.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation in part of prior application Ser. No.10/126,561, filed Apr. 19, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,356.

The invention relates to an apparatus for reducing the concentration ofpollutants in the exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine,particularly an engine driving an electric generator on a boat. Theinvention is particularly adapted for connecting to the exhaust manifoldof a marine electric generator engine.

It is well known that internal combustion engines produce an exhaustemission containing pollutants that are harmful to the environment. Suchpollutants include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and varioushydrocarbons. There are many inventions for reducing the concentrationof such pollutants in engine exhaust emissions. For example, U.S. Pat.Nos. 5,410,871 and 5,419,123 each disclose emission control devicesparticularly suited for reducing pollutant levels in automobile exhaustemissions.

Pollution control for marine electric generator engines presents aunique set of challenges that have not been sufficiently addressed bythe prior art. Houseboats and large cruisers typically have an electricgenerator for powering air conditioning, stereos, appliances and thelike. Electricity is generated by a conventional internal combustionengine that produces an exhaust emission containing a relatively highconcentration of pollutants. Typically, the concentration of pollutantsis higher than that given off by automobile engines due to the lack ofanti-pollution equipment generally required in automobile engines.

Such marine generators are commonly operated when the boat isstationary, and thus the pollutants are emptied into a singleconcentrated area in the water that is proximate to where people may beswimming. The collection of toxic pollutants such as carbon monoxidenear swimmers, particularly children, presents a potentiallylife-threatening situation making effective pollution control of marinegenerator engines critical. Conventional catalytic converters used onautomobiles reach extremely hot temperatures of over 1000° Fahrenheit,which is too high for safe use on a boat where the risk of fire is ofmore paramount concern. Other emission control devices, such as the onesdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,410,871 and 5,419,123 operate at coolertemperatures, but still reach over 300° Fahrenheit, which presents adanger of overheating and fire. The danger of fire on a boat is just aslife-threatening as the presence of poisonous gases, and therefore apollution control device for a marine generator engine must be highlyresistant to overheating as well as extremely effective in reducingpoisonous gases. Furthermore, pollution control for a marine generatorengine requires a device that is capable of eliminating thesubstantially higher concentrations of pollutants contained in thegaseous emissions of marine generator engines.

In an effort to overcome and eliminate the aforementioned problems, thepresent invention was conceived.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for reducing the relatively high concentration ofpollutants in the exhaust emissions of marine electric generatorengines.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus resistantto overheating that is capable of reducing the concentration ofpollutants in the exhaust emissions of an internal combustion engine.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a pollutioncontrol apparatus that can be mated with a marine electric generator.

These and other objectives of the present invention are achieved byproviding an apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustionengine emissions having a treatment chamber including an intake openingand an exhaust opening at opposing lateral ends of the treatmentchamber. The intake opening receives a stream of gaseous emissions fromthe engine, which exits from the treatment chamber through the exhaustopening. A metal tube is disposed within the treatment chamber, and anelectrode is disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation tothe metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that,upon applying a voltage to the electrode, an arc is generated across thespace between the electrode and the metal tube, the metal tube providingpotential points of contact for the arc around the periphery thereof.The arc is generated from the electrode to the metal tube at apredetermined frequency to promote a chemical reaction that reduces theconcentration of pollutants in the stream within the treatment chamber.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a voltage sourceis operatively connected to the electrode and a pulsing mechanism isoperatively configured with the voltage source to cause the voltagesupplied to the electrode to be pulsed at the predetermined frequency.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the metaltube is perforated to allow passage of the stream of gaseous emissionstherethrough, and the electrode comprises a threaded rod.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus includes an outer chamber having first and second openings atopposing lateral ends of the outer chamber. The outer chamber includesan inlet port for receiving a flow of water and an outlet port forexiting the flow of water. At least a portion of the treatment chamberis contained within the outer chamber, and the treatment chamber ispositioned such that the intake opening is linearly aligned with thefirst opening and the exhaust opening is linearly aligned with thesecond opening. The treatment chamber and the outer chamber define aspace between in which the flow of water cools the treatment chamber. Awater supply connected to the inlet port for introducing the flow ofwater into the outer chamber.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, anintake pipe is connected to the treatment chamber proximate the intakeopening to engage an exhaust manifold of a marine electric generatorengine and receive the stream of gaseous emissions exiting the exhaustmanifold.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, asupplemental air source is connected to the intake pipe for supplyingair to dilute the stream of gaseous emissions within the apparatus.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus is configured to be mateable with an exhaust apparatus of anelectric generator engine on a houseboat.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, thesupplemental air source includes an air pump mounted in place of thegenerator engine's alternator, and it is belt driven by a crankshaft onthe generator engine.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus includes a treatment chamber having an intake opening and anexhaust opening at opposing lateral ends of the treatment chamber, and ametal tube disposed within the treatment chamber. An electrode isdisposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation to the metaltube, and the electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that, uponapplying a voltage to the electrode, an arc is generated across thespace between the electrode and the metal tube. The metal tube providespotential points of contact for the arc around its periphery. The arc isgenerated from the electrode to the metal tube at a predeterminedfrequency to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration ofpollutants in the stream within the treatment chamber. An intake pipe isconnected at one end to the treatment chamber proximate the intakeopening, and connected at the other end to a flange that mateablyengages a segment of the exhaust manifold of the engine.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus is configured to be mateable with an exhaust apparatus of anelectric generator engine on a houseboat.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus includes a treatment chamber having an intake opening and anexhaust opening at opposing lateral ends of the treatment chamber, and ametal tube disposed within the treatment chamber. An electrode isdisposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relation to the metaltube, and the electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that, uponapplying a voltage to the electrode, an arc is generated across thespace between the electrode and the metal tube. The metal tube providespotential points of contact for the arc around its periphery. The arc isgenerated from the electrode to the metal tube at a predeterminedfrequency to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration ofpollutants in the stream within the treatment chamber. An intake pipe isconnected to the treatment chamber proximate the intake opening, and istelescopically positioned over a segment of the exhaust manifold of theengine to receive the stream of gaseous emissions exiting the enginethrough the exhaust manifold.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus includes a U-shaped bolt clamp for positioning about theintake pipe and tightening the intake pipe against the exhaust manifold.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus is configured to be mateable with an exhaust apparatus of amarine electric generator engine.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, asupplemental air source is connected to the engine exhaust manifold tosupply air for diluting the stream of gaseous emissions exiting theengine through the exhaust manifold.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, theapparatus is configured to be mateable with an exhaust apparatus of anelectric generator engine on a small or mid-sized boat, and thesupplemental air source includes an air pump powered by a voltageprovided by the generator.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, anexhaust pipe is connected to the treatment chamber proximate the exhaustopening for exhausting the stream of gaseous emissions from thetreatment chamber. The exhaust pipe includes an inlet port for receivinga flow of water for mixing with the stream of gaseous emissions exitingthrough the exhaust pipe.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, a tubeconnects the outlet port of the outer chamber to the inlet port of theexhaust pipe for delivering the flow of water into the exhaust pipe.

A preferred method for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to the invention comprises the steps of providing anapparatus including a treatment chamber having an intake opening and anexhaust opening, and a metal tube disposed within the treatment chamber.An electrode is disposed within the metal tube in spaced apart relationto the metal tube. The electrode is encircled by the metal tube so that,upon applying a voltage to the electrode, an arc is generated across thespace between the electrode and the metal tube. The metal tube providespotential points of contact for the arc around its periphery. The arc isgenerated from the electrode to the metal tube at a predeterminedfrequency to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration ofpollutants in the stream within the treatment chamber. The intakeopening is connected to an exhaust manifold of the engine so that astream of gaseous emissions passes from the exhaust manifold through theintake opening into the treatment chamber. A supplemental stream of airis supplied to the treatment chamber for diluting the stream of gaseousemissions within the treatment chamber. A voltage is pulsed at apredetermined frequency to the electrode to generate the chemicalreaction with the stream of gaseous emissions as the stream passesproximate the metal tube to reduce the concentration of pollutants inthe stream.

According to another preferred embodiment of a method for reducingpollutants in the gaseous emissions, an intake pipe is connected to thetreatment chamber proximate the intake opening, and is telescopicallypositioned over a segment of the exhaust manifold.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of a method for reducingpollutants in the gaseous emissions, a U-bolt clamp is positioned aboutthe intake pipe and tightened to frictionally engage the intake pipeagainst the exhaust manifold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will appear as the inventionproceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred emission control apparatusaccording to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial cut-away view of the preferred emission controlapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the preferred emission controlapparatus shown in FIG. 1 along lines 3—3;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross sectional view of the preferred emissioncontrol apparatus shown in FIG. 3 along lines 4—4;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the preferred emission controlapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the preferred emission controlapparatus shown in FIG. 5 along lines 6—6;

FIG. 7 is a partial phantom view of the preferred emission controlapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an environmental view of the preferred emission controlapparatus shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of another preferred embodiment of anemission control apparatus according to the invention; and

FIG. 10 is an environmental view of the preferred emission controlapparatus shown in FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a preferred embodiment ofthe emission control apparatus according to the present invention isillustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at reference numeral 10. Ascan be seen in FIG. 2, the emission control apparatus 10 comprises atreatment chamber 11 positioned within a manifold 12, and an air pump13. A metal tube 14 containing an electrode 15, and a porous chemicalsubstrate 16 are positioned within the treatment chamber 11 to promote achemical reaction that reduces the concentration of pollutants in thegaseous emissions of a conventional marine electric generator engine 17,shown in FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment chamber 11 is a hollow cylinder,preferably made of 316 L stainless steel. The treatment chamber 11includes an intake pipe 18 and an exhaust pipe 19 located at oppositelateral ends of the treatment chamber 11 that define openings throughwhich a stream of gaseous emissions enters and exits the treatmentchamber 11, respectively. The intake pipe 18 is attached to the exhaustmanifold 21 of the marine generator engine 17, as shown in FIG. 8. Themarine generator engine 17 generates electricity by an internalcombustion that produces gaseous emissions containing a highconcentration of environmental pollutants such as carbon monoxide andvarious hydrocarbons. The gaseous emission stream is expelled from theengine 17 through its exhaust manifold 20 and enters the emissioncontrol apparatus 10 through the intake pipe 18, which has a flange 37mounted thereon for engaging the exhaust manifold 20. The gaseousemission stream flows through the treatment chamber 11 and exits throughthe exhaust pipe 19.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, a cylindrical metal tube 14 is disposed withinthe treatment chamber 11 downstream from the intake pipe 18. The metaltube 14 is positioned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of thetreatment chamber 11. The metal tube 14 and the electrode 15 arepreferably made of 316 L stainless steel. As can best be seen in FIG. 3,the electrode 15 is an elongate threaded rod extending through thecenter of the metal tube 14, and is perpendicular to the longitudinalaxis of the treatment chamber 11. A portion of the electrode 15protrudes upward through an opening in the treatment chamber 11 and isdisposed within a ceramic insulator 21. A threaded ignitor cap 22 isaffixed on the top of the electrode 15, which extends above the ceramicinsulator 21. The electrode 15 is operatively connected to a power unit23 by a cord 24. The power unit 23 is connected to the electricalapparatus of the marine generator engine 17 and supplies a voltage tothe electrode 15 that generates electric arcing “A” across the spacebetween the electrode 15 and metal tube 14, as shown in FIG. 4. Becausethe electrode 15 is encircled by the metal tube 14, there is arcing “A”in all directions from the electrode 15 to the metal tube 14 uponsuppling the voltage to the electrode 15. The cord 24 is connected tothe electrode 15 by the cap 22. The electrode 15 is threaded to increasethe surface area from which the electric arcing “A” is generated. Themetal tube 14 is perforated throughout with a plurality of holes 25 tofacilitate passage of the stream of gaseous emissions through the metaltube 14. The voltage supplied by the power unit 23 is pulsed at afrequency that has been predetermined to maximize the reduction ofpollutants contained in the gaseous emission stream within the treatmentchamber 11. The preferred voltage is 15,000 volts and the preferredfrequency is 1500 pulses per minute. The power unit 23 is similar indesign and function to the AC voltage source described in U.S. Pat. No.5,410,871 for an “Emission Control Device and Method” (column 5, line 40to column 6, line 59), which is incorporated herein, and therefore isnot described in detail.

It is believed that the electric arcing “A” generated from the electrode15 excites metal atoms on the surface of the metal tube 14 causing ametallic catalyst reaction between the metal atoms and the molecules ofpollutants contained in the gaseous emission stream. This reactionreduces the concentration of pollutants in the gaseous emission stream.For instance, a substantial portion of carbon monoxide is broken downinto free carbon and oxygen. For a further explanation of the reaction,applicant references U.S. Pat. No. 5,410,871 (column 7, lines 1-30),which is incorporated herein.

The holes 25 of the metal tube 14 and the threaded surface of theelectrode 15 increase the efficiency of the reaction. In addition, twobaffles 26, 27 are positioned perpendicularly to the longitudinal axisof the treatment chamber 11 on each side of the metal tube 14, as shownin FIGS. 3 and 4. The baffles 26, 27 are oriented at forty-five degreeangles relative to the metal tube 14 and channel the stream of gaseousemissions directly to the metal tube 14 and electrode 15. This minimizesthe amount of gaseous pollutants passing through the apparatus withoutundergoing the voltage induced reaction and maximizes efficiency of theapparatus.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the intake pipe 18 includes an air intakeport 28 for connecting a tube 29 from an air pump 13, which is mountedon the generator engine 17 in place of the alternator. A trickle chargedevice can be used in place of the alternator on the generator engine17. The air pump 13 is belt driven by the crank shaft of the generatorengine 17. The air pump 13 supplies a supplemental air source to thetreatment chamber 11 diluting the gaseous emission stream. The air pump13 preferably supplies air at a rate of fifteen to twenty-three cubicfeet per minute. It is believed that the additional oxygen provided bythe supplemental air facilitates a more complete chemical breakdown ofpollutants contained in the gaseous emission stream. In addition, thesupplemental airflow increases the flow rate of the emission stream,which results in improved arcing from the electrode 15 to metal tube 14.As such, the air pump 13 improves the overall efficiency of theapparatus 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, a porous chemical substrate 30 ispositioned within the treatment chamber 11 downstream from the metaltube 14 and electrode 15. The preferred substrate 30 is a perforatedhoneycomb material comprised of silica (94.5% by weight), sodium oxide(2.15%), alumina (2.1%), magnesia (1.2%), calcium oxide (0.02%), andiron oxide (0.03%). The substrate 30 is porous so that the gaseousemission stream flows through the substrate 30. The substrate 30 iscylindrical with a diameter slightly smaller than the treatment chamber11. Between the substrate 30 and the inner wall of the treatment chamber11 is a layer of asbestos 31 that cushions the substrate 30 and protectsit from abrasions. The gaseous emission stream, after having traveledthrough the metal tube 14 and undergone the initial voltage inducedchemical reaction, subsequently travels through the substrate 30 where acomplete chemical breakdown of pollutants contained within the gaseousemissions takes place. For instance, carbon monoxide flowing through thesubstrate 30 is oxidized to produce carbon dioxide. The substrate 30significantly improves the performance and efficiency of the apparatus10. For a further explanation of the substrate 30 and the chemicalreaction taking place within the substrate 30, applicant refers to U.S.Pat. No. 5,419,123, which is incorporated herein.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the manifold 12 is substantially similarin shape to the treatment chamber 11, however, the manifold 12 has aslightly shorter length and slightly larger diameter than the treatmentchamber 11. The treatment chamber 11 is positioned within the manifold12 such that the portion of the treatment chamber 11 containing thesubstrate 30 is contained within the manifold 12, while the portioncontaining the metal tube 14 and electrode 15 are not. The manifold 12includes an inlet port 32 for receiving a flow of water and an outletport 33 for exiting the flow of water, shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. The flowof water is supplied by a water pumping apparatus integral with thegenerator engine 17 that is connected to the inlet port 32 by a tube 34,shown in FIG. 8. When used in freshwater, the water pumping apparatus isan open apparatus that supplies water to the manifold 12 directly fromthe freshwater source. When used in salt water, the water pumpingapparatus 39 is a closed apparatus that supplies water from the radiatorof the generator engine 17. The water flow is introduced into themanifold 12 through the inlet port 32 and flows within the space 35between the treatment chamber 11 and the manifold 12 before exitingthrough the outlet port 33. The water flow cools the temperature of thetreatment chamber 11, preferably to the range of from 300° to 150°Fahrenheit, which is the optimum range of temperature in which tooperate the apparatus 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the manifold 12 has an exit opening throughwhich the exhaust pipe 19 of the treatment chamber 12 extends outwardand into the atmosphere. After the gaseous emission stream has passedthrough the substrate 30 it flows toward the exhaust pipe 19. Positionedimmediately in front of the exhaust pipe 19 is a retention plate 36. Theretention plate 36 is connected to the inner surface of the treatmentchamber 11 and covers a substantial portion, but not all, of the openingdefined by the exhaust pipe 19, as shown in FIG. 7. This retards theflow of the gaseous emission stream proximate the substrate 30 to ensurea complete chemical reaction and breakdown of pollutants within thesubstrate 30. Finally, the gaseous emission stream exits the apparatus10 through exhaust pipe 19 and enters the atmosphere with a greatlyreduced concentration of pollutants than when it initially entered theapparatus 10. A substantial portion of the carbon monoxide andhydrocarbons in the gaseous emissions entering the apparatus 10 areconverted into carbon dioxide, oxygen, water vapor, and free carbon.Applicants have found that a typical carbon monoxide concentration of50,000 parts per million in the gaseous emissions of a marine generatorengine not using the apparatus 10 is significantly reduced totwenty-five parts per million when operated in conjunction with theapparatus 10.

Another preferred embodiment of an emission control apparatus accordingto the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, and shown generallyat reference numeral 50. The emission control apparatus 50 is similar inmost respects to the above described emission control apparatus 10,however is configured particularly for use on small and mid-sizedrecreational boats, such as speed boats and cruisers. As shown in FIGS.9 and 10, the emission control apparatus 50 comprises a treatmentchamber 51 positioned within a manifold 52, and an air pump 53. As inemission control apparatus 10, apparatus 50 includes a threaded ignitorcap 62 affixed on the top of an electrode, which extends above a ceramicinsulator 61. The electrode is operatively connected to a power unit 63by a cord 64. The power unit 63 is connected to the electrical apparatusof the generator engine 57 and supplies a voltage to the electrode,which functions identically as in emission control apparatus 10described above. Because the emission control apparatus 50 isstructurally and functionally similar to emission control apparatus 10,it will not be described in detail except for the following structuraldifferences.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the emission control apparatus 50 includesan intake pipe 58 which is telescopically positioned over a segment ofthe exhaust manifold 60 on an electric generator engine 57. A U-shapedbolt clamp 67 is positioned around the intake pipe 58. The clamp 67 istightened to concentrically force the intake pipe 58 firmly against themanifold 60 to form a tight seal. In addition, a heat resistant exhaustsealant can be used to further enhance the seal between the intake pipe58 and manifold 60.

As shown in FIG. 10, the manifold 60 of the generator 57 includes an airintake port 68 for receiving a supplemental stream of air supplied bythe air pump 53. An air tube 69 is connected at opposite ends to the airpump 53 and the intake port 68. The air pump 53 is powered by a voltage,preferably 110 volts, supplied by the generator engine 57. An electricalcord 84 connects the air pump 53 to the generator's control panel. Theair pump 53 supplies a supplemental air source to the manifold 60,diluting the gaseous emission stream entering the intake pipe 58. Theair pump 53 preferably supplies air at a rate of five to ten cubic feetper minute.

The manifold 52 includes an inlet port 72 for receiving a flow of waterand an outlet port 73 for exiting the flow of water, as shown in FIG. 9.The flow of water is supplied by a water pumping apparatus integral withthe generator engine 17 that is connected to the inlet port 72 by a tube74, shown in FIG. 10. As in emission control device 10, the water flowis introduced into the manifold 52 through the inlet port 72 and flowswithin the space between the treatment chamber 51 and the manifold 52 tocool the treatment chamber 51 before exiting through the outlet port 73.The emission control device 50 includes an elongate exhaust pipe 59extending outward from the downstream end of the treatment chamber 51through which the treated gaseous emissions exit the apparatus 50. Asshown in FIG. 10, a tube 75 is connected to the outlet port 73 on themanifold 52 and an inlet port 82 on the exhaust pipe 59 to deliver theflow of water exiting the manifold 52 into the exhaust pipe 59 therebydiluting the stream of gaseous emissions exiting the apparatus 50 andfacilitating its movement away from the boat on which the apparatus 50is mounted. Applicants have found that a carbon monoxide concentrationof approximately 170,000 parts per million in the gaseous emissions of amarine generator engine not using the apparatus 50 is significantlyreduced to less than 100 parts per million when operated in conjunctionwith the apparatus 50.

An emission control apparatus and a method for reducing pollutants inthe gaseous emissions of an internal combustion engine are disclosedabove. Various embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention and the best mode for practicingthe invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and notfor the purpose of limitation—the invention being defined by thefollowing claims.

1. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions, comprising: (a) a treatment chamber having an intake openingand an exhaust opening, said intake opening for receiving a stream ofgaseous emissions from the engine, said exhaust opening for exhaustingthe stream of gaseous emissions from said chamber; (b) a metal tubedisposed within said treatment chamber; (c) an electrode disposed withinsaid metal tube in spaced apart relation to said metal tube, saidelectrode encircled by said metal tube so that, upon applying a voltageto said electrode, an arc is generated across the space between saidelectrode and said metal tube, said metal tube providing potentialpoints of contact for the arc around the periphery thereof; and (d) arcgenerating means for generating the arc from said electrode to saidmetal tube at a predetermined frequency to promote a chemical reactionreducing the concentration of pollutants in the stream within saidtreatment chamber.
 2. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internalcombustion engine emissions, according to claim 1, wherein said arcgenerating means comprises a voltage source operatively connected to anignitor cap mounted on said electrode, and a pulsing mechanismoperatively configured with said voltage source to cause the voltagesupplied to said electrode to be pulsed at the predetermined frequency.3. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to claim 1, wherein said metal tube is perforated toallow passage of the stream of gaseous emissions therethrough, and saidelectrode comprises a threaded rod.
 4. An apparatus for reducingpollutants in internal combustion engine emissions according to claim 1,further comprising: (a) an outer chamber having first and secondopenings at opposing lateral ends of said outer chamber, said outerchamber further including an inlet port for receiving a flow of waterand an outlet port for exiting the flow of water, at least a portion ofsaid treatment chamber contained within said outer chamber, saidtreatment chamber positioned such that said intake opening is linearlyaligned with said first opening and said exhaust opening is linearlyaligned with said second opening, said treatment chamber and said outerchamber defining a space therebetween wherein the flow of water coolssaid treatment chamber; and (b) a water supply connected to said inletport for introducing the flow of water into said outer chamber.
 5. Anapparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to claim 1, further comprising an intake pipeconnected to said treatment chamber proximate the intake opening forengaging an exhaust manifold of a marine electric generator engine andreceiving the stream of gaseous emissions exiting the exhaust manifold.6. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to claim 5, further comprising a supplemental airsource connected to said intake pipe for supplying air thereto fordiluting the stream of gaseous emissions within the apparatus.
 7. Anapparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to claim 6, wherein said apparatus is configured tobe mateable with an exhaust apparatus of an electric generator engine ona houseboat.
 8. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internalcombustion engine emissions according to claim 7, wherein saidsupplemental air source comprises an air pump mounted in place of thegenerator engine's alternator, and is belt driven by a crankshaft on thegenerator engine.
 9. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internalcombustion engine emissions comprising: (a) a treatment chamber havingan intake opening and an exhaust opening at opposing lateral ends ofsaid treatment chamber, said intake opening for receiving a stream ofgaseous emissions, said exhaust opening for exhausting the stream ofgaseous emissions from said chamber; (b) a metal tube disposed withinsaid treatment chamber; (c) an electrode disposed within said metal tubein spaced apart relation to said metal tube, said electrode encircled bysaid metal tube so that, upon applying a voltage to said electrode, anarc is generated across the space between said electrode and said metaltube, said metal tube providing potential points of contact for the arcaround the periphery thereof; (d) arc generating means for generatingthe arc from said electrode to said metal tube at a predeterminedfrequency to promote a chemical reaction reducing the concentration ofpollutants in the stream within said treatment chamber; and (e) anintake pipe having opposed first and second ends, said first endconnected to said treatment chamber proximate the intake opening andsaid second having a flange for mateably engaging an exhaust manifold ofthe engine.
 10. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internalcombustion engine emissions according to claim 9, wherein said apparatusis configured to be mateable with an exhaust apparatus of an electricgenerator engine on a houseboat.
 11. An apparatus for reducingpollutants in internal combustion engine emissions, comprising: (a) atreatment chamber having an intake opening and an exhaust opening, saidintake opening for receiving a stream of gaseous emissions, said exhaustopening for exhausting the stream of gaseous emissions from saidchamber; (b) a metal tube disposed within said treatment chamber; (c) anelectrode disposed within said metal tube in spaced apart relation tosaid metal tube, said electrode encircled by said metal tube so that,upon applying a voltage to said electrode, an arc is generated acrossthe space between said electrode and said metal tube, said metal tubeproviding potential points of contact for the arc around the peripherythereof; (d) arc generating means for generating the arc from saidelectrode to said metal tube at a predetermined frequency to promote achemical reaction reducing the concentration of pollutants in the streamwithin said treatment chamber; and (e) an intake pipe connected to saidtreatment chamber proximate the intake opening for telescopicallypositioning over a segment of an exhaust manifold of the engine andreceiving the stream of gaseous emissions exiting the engine through theexhaust manifold.
 12. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internalcombustion engine emissions according to claim 11, further comprising aU-shaped bolt clamp for positioning about said intake pipe andtightening said intake pipe against the exhaust manifold.
 13. Anapparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to claim 11, wherein said apparatus is configured tobe mateable with an exhaust apparatus of a marine electric generatorengine.
 14. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustionengine emissions according to claim 11, further comprising asupplemental air source for connecting to the engine exhaust manifold,said supplemental air source supplying air for diluting the stream ofgaseous emissions exiting the engine through the exhaust manifold. 15.An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus is configured tobe mateable with an exhaust apparatus of an electric generator engine ona small or mid-sized boat, and said supplemental air source comprises anair pump powered by a voltage provided by the generator.
 16. Anapparatus for reducing pollutants in internal combustion engineemissions according to claim 11, further comprising an exhaust pipeconnected to said treatment chamber proximate the exhaust opening forexiting the stream of gaseous emissions from said treatment chamber,said exhaust pipe defining an inlet port for receiving a flow of waterfor mixing with the stream of gaseous emissions exiting through saidexhaust pipe.
 17. An apparatus for reducing pollutants in internalcombustion engine emissions according to claim 16, further comprising:(a) an outer chamber having first and second openings at opposinglateral ends of said outer chamber, said outer chamber further includingan inlet port for receiving a flow of water and an outlet port forexiting the flow of water, at least a portion of said treatment chambercontained within said outer chamber, said treatment chamber positionedsuch that said intake opening is linearly aligned with said firstopening and said exhaust opening is linearly aligned with said secondopening, said treatment chamber and said outer chamber defining a spacetherebetween wherein the flow of water cools said treatment chamber; and(b) water supply means connected to said inlet port for introducing theflow of water into said outer chamber.
 18. An apparatus for reducingpollutants in internal combustion engine emissions according to claim17, further comprising a tube connecting the outlet port of said outerchamber to the inlet port of said exhaust pipe for delivering the flowof water into said exhaust pipe.
 19. A method for reducing pollutants ininternal combustion engine emissions comprising the steps of: (a)providing an apparatus comprising: (i) a treatment chamber having anintake opening and an exhaust opening, said intake opening for receivinga stream of gaseous emissions, said exhaust opening for exhausting thestream of gaseous emissions from said chamber, (ii) a metal tubedisposed within said treatment chamber, (iii) an electrode disposedwithin said metal tube in spaced apart relation to said metal tube, saidelectrode encircled by said metal tube so that, upon applying a voltageto said electrode, an arc is generated across the space between saidelectrode and said metal tube, said metal tube providing potentialpoints of contact for the arc around the periphery thereof, and (iv) arcgenerating means for generating the arc from said electrode to saidmetal tube at a predetermined frequency to promote a chemical reactionreducing the concentration of pollutants in the stream within saidtreatment chamber; (b) connecting said intake opening to an exhaustmanifold of the engine so that a stream of gaseous emissions passes fromthe exhaust manifold through said intake opening into said treatmentchamber; and (c) applying the voltage pulsed at a predeterminedfrequency to said electrode to generate the chemical reaction with thestream of gaseous emissions as the stream passes proximate said metaltube to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the stream.
 20. Amethod for reducing pollutants in the gaseous emissions according toclaim 19, further comprising the step supplying a supplemental stream ofair to said treatment chamber for diluting the stream of gaseousemissions within said treatment chamber.
 21. A method for reducingpollutants in the gaseous emissions according to claim 19, wherein saidapparatus comprises an intake pipe connected to said treatment chamberproximate the intake opening, and the step of connecting said intakeopening to an exhaust manifold of the engine comprises telescopicallypositioning the intake pipe over a segment of the exhaust manifold. 22.A method for reducing pollutants in the gaseous emissions according toclaim 20, wherein the step of connecting said intake opening to anexhaust manifold of the engine further comprises positioning a U-boltclamp about said intake pipe and tightening said clamp to frictionallyengage said intake pipe against the exhaust manifold.